Three West Dunbartonshire groups have been honoured by Keep Scotland Beautiful for their outstanding environmental efforts.
Action Old Kilpatrick, Flourishing Faifley and Knowetop SCIO were recognised by the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network as part of Keep Scotland Beautiful's Your Neighbourhood programme.
The programme celebrates community groups making a difference through climate and nature-friendly projects.
All three groups received Outstanding certificates for their ongoing work to improve biodiversity and create greener, healthier neighbourhoods.
Read more: 'Fantastic': New litter-picking stations being installed along popular routes
Juliette Camburn, senior community initiatives officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We strongly believe in the power of nature and community growing to transform places and help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
“We would like to thank the incredible people of Scotland, who we recognised with certificates today.
“Shining a light on their amazing work is as vital as it is to support volunteer groups with mentor advice, guidance and resources – so we are delighted to celebrate the highest number of groups ever this year.”
In total, 205 groups were recognised this year for their efforts to enhance neighbourhoods through community gardening and environmental action.
Juliette said: “Our research highlights that almost 70% of people are embarrassed by levels of litter in their neighbourhood – we often see this as a driver for action in communities, with litter picks leading to more and more ambitious projects to improve neighbourhoods and make cities, towns and villages clean, vibrant, appealing and nature friendly.”
The It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative is run in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society and sits alongside the Beautiful Scotland competition, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026.
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Juliette said: “The work of the diverse community gardening and growing network is even more relevant today, as it connects people of all ages and backgrounds with nature on their doorsteps, at community centres, on high streets or in housing estates.
“The It’s Your Neighbourhood groups we recognised today are generating multiple benefits for individuals and society as a whole and I would like to thank them all.”
Ahead of the Scottish general election, Keep Scotland Beautiful is calling for national funding to support the volunteers delivering community environmental improvement initiatives across the country.
To register your interest or find out more about joining the Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network in 2026, email beautifulscotland@keepscotlandbeautiful.org.
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